When you think of individuals who excel in rodeo riding and events such as bareback riding, you usually think of them as hailing from western states such as Texas, Oklahoma or Wyoming. But right here in our own backyard a Jersey Shore area man, 28-year old Tyler Waltz, was recently named the 2018 World Champion Bare Back Rider.

He was named the World Champion Bareback Rider at the International Professional Rodeo Association (IPRA) finals.

“This has always been my dream, to win a world championship,” Tyler told Webb Weekly.

Tyler gained his interest in rodeo riding at an early age. He has been involved in the sport since he was six years old. His interest came naturally because it has been a sort of family affair. His father, Dave, was a bull-rider during the 1970s and 80s. His two sisters, Lauren and Courtney, competed in Keystone Junior Rodeo Association.

His love for the sport blossomed and led him to compete in the Pennsylvania High School Rodeo Association where he won many awards. His love of the sport didn’t end in high school. Tyler received a full scholarship to rodeo at the University of Tennessee at Martin for Coach John Luthi. His senior year, he ended up third in the nation in the bareback riding, and his college team won the National Title.

Since college, Tyler has been competing in the professional ranks. He travels all over the country. This past year he won his first World Title at the IPRA (International Professional Rodeo Association) Finals in Oklahoma City.

Rodeo riding is a very physically hazardous and demanding sport and injuries can — and often do — result during this type of competition.

Tyler has had his share of injuries. During his junior year of high school, he broke his right femur at the National High School Finals Rodeo in New Mexico. He recovered from that injury, but the following year he re-broke the same femur. The journey definitely came with trying times, but Tyler never lost sight of his dream.

Tyler is very dedicated and self-driven, stopping at nothing to achieve his goals. Through hard work, faith, amazing coaches along the way, and support from family and friends, he isn’t only a World Champ in the arena, but in life as well.

As to his future plans, he plans to participate in rodeos as long as he can. He would love to coach when he is ready to start a new career.

“This has always been my dream, to win a world championship,” Tyler told Webb Weekly.

Tyler is back on the rodeo circuit, traveling to the south in the upcoming weeks.

He frequently competes in Canada also. During his time off he helps on the family farm and also in the family’s business, TLC Fuels. Every Wednesday, Tyler and his dad work with a group of young men “Roughstock U” teaching them the rodeo skills they need to be successful in this sport. They are trying to reach youth and encourage the sport to grow in the Northeast.